Preveli beach, Crete image
Preveli Beach is located on the south coast of Crete Island, a little over 100 km from the capital of Heraklion and the main airport of the island. It is closer to the city of Chania and its airport, yet still one hour away by car.
The distance to the town of Plakias is 10 km, while the city of Rethymnon is 43 km away. Preveli Beach is on the south side of Crete. It is 10 km away from the famous beach Plakias. Access to Preveli Beah is not possible, as there is no parking area.
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However, there are four alternatives.

How do you get to Preveli ?

The easiest is to take the taxi boat from Plakias or Agia Galini to Preveli. It departs during the day and leaves you at the beach from where it picks you up in the afternoon. 

If you come by car, drive to the Monastery of Kato Preveli and after 1.5 km, stop at the parking space. Take the path that leads to the beach after 15-20 minutes of walking. The signs help you find the entrance to the pathway. The benefit of this choice is that you get to see the gorge from above, and the view is enchanting.

However, if you choose to follow this pathway you need to have sneakers, sunscreen, a hat, and water. The sun during summer is hot, and there are no trees on the way. Keep in mind that even though going down the path is quite fun and easy, the ascend can be challenging if you are not used to hiking. 

An alternative itinerary is to drive to Drimiskiano Ammoudi, the beach next to Preveli. Leave the car there and walk a five-minute path to the beach. You might not get the view that the long pathway offers, but you get the convenience of being at the beach faster and effortlessly. 
Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete

Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete Island. Crete is the biggest island in Greece, and it attracts visitors because it is a place where you can find everything, from modern cities and exotic beaches to gorges and big mountains. 

The local legend says that the mythological king Odysseus stopped in Preveli on the way to his homeland, Ithaka. 

Preveli beach walk
What makes Preveli beach so famous is the palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. The exotic beauty of nature attracted in the 60s and 70s hippies from around the globe who used to live here and make huts under the palm trees. 

Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, and it is a natural reserve, which prohibits human intervention at the beach. There are no facilities, showers, or toilets, and it isn’t organized with sunbeds and umbrellas.
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Don't be fooled into thinking you will get any peace and quiet in summer, because the beach is busy. There are sun lounges for hire and paddle boats. Ferries and private boats bring more visitors every time you wake up from your snooze.

The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn; May/June, then September/October respectively, when the beach is quieter.

There is, however, a canteen at the one end of the beach, where you can get snacks and drinks. There are a few tables and chairs around there. It is convenient because you can find basic things that you might need like water or food. 

Preveli Beach mixes in a clean, clear river, a gorge walk, and a freshwater lagoon, all in one adorable little package. It should definitely be added to your bucket list of things to see in Crete.

The monastery of Ag.Ioanni Theologou (Moni Preveli)

The monastery of Preveli
The monastery of Ag.Ioanni Theologou (Moni Preveli) is peaceful and clean with an old world charm.
This legendary monastery has the most beautiful church, filled with breathtaking paintings and art. There is even a little museum inside as well as a small shop where the monks sell quality Cretan honey they themselves produce.
They also sell handmade beeswax candles, prayer ropes and incense; all made by the monks. You can even find religious books. All the money goes to the monastery's upkeep and with only four monks left the locals help out a lot. Right outside the monastery is a little cafe.
There are also many beautiful flowers and a zoo. A must see for visitors to the island of Crete. On the way to the monastery you have the nicest view point on Preveli palm beach.
Ladies please remember to cover shoulders and back.

Is it difficult to reach Preveli Beach?

To reach the beach, you’ll need to walk down a footpath, which takes about 15-20 minutes. The return trip is more strenuous, as the path is steep uphill. To avoid the challenging climb, you can drive to the nearby Drimiskiano Amoudi beach on a paved road and then take a short, 5-minute footpath to Preveli.

Is there parking at Preveli Beach?

Yes, there is parking available near Preveli Beach, but it’s a bit limited, especially during peak tourist season. The main parking area is located at the top of a hill, and from there, visitors need to walk down a path (about 15-20 minutes) to reach the beach. There’s also a smaller parking lot near the bridge, but it requires a longer walk.

How long is the hike to Preveli Beach?

There’s a 4.8-mile loop trail near Myrthios, Crete, leading to Preveli Beach. This moderately challenging route takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. As a popular area for hiking and walking, you’re likely to encounter other visitors on the trail.

Is the beach of Preveli crowded?

Due to its natural beauty, Preveli Beach tends to get very crowded during peak season.

How far is Preveli Beach from Heraklion?

Preveli Beach is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) southwest of Heraklion, which takes approximately 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.

How far is Preveli Beach from Chania?

Preveli Beach is around 95 kilometers (59 miles) southeast of Chania. The drive usually takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Is it worth a visit to Preveli?

Absolutely! Preveli Beach is known for its unique landscape, featuring a beautiful palm forest and the Kourtaliotiko River that flows into the sea, creating a stunning lagoon. Its natural beauty, combined with historical interest (the nearby Preveli Monastery), makes it a popular and worthwhile destination.

What is the best time to visit Preveli?

The best time to visit Preveli is during the late spring (May to early June) or early fall (September). During these times, the weather is warm, but the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. Early morning or late afternoon is also ideal for a quieter experience.

Can you reach Preveli Beach by car?

You can drive from Plakias to Preveli Monastery and, 1.5 km past the monastery, park in a large lot near vertical cliffs. From here, a path leads down to the beach. This area offers excellent viewpoints for photography as well.

Which car should I choose to drive to Preveli?

Although the main road to Preveli is paved, the last stretch can be narrow and winding, so a compact car is typically sufficient. However, if you’re planning to explore other, more rugged areas around Crete, you might consider a small SUV for extra comfort and ease on unpaved roads.

What factors should I consider before renting a car?

When renting a car in Crete, consider these factors:
  • Type of Car: Choose a car based on the areas you’ll be visiting. For mountainous or rural areas, a car with good suspension and ground clearance is helpful.
  • Insurance Coverage: Ensure that your rental includes adequate insurance, especially for driving on rough or unpaved roads.
  • Fuel Policy: Some rental companies operate on a full-to-full policy, and some do not. Check the quantity of the fuel before you start!
  • Mileage Limits: Check if there are mileage restrictions, especially if you plan to explore multiple regions.
  • Pickup and Drop-off Locations: Make sure you can easily pick up and return the car, especially if you’re flying in and out of different airports.
You can conveniently reserve a vehicle through our website or by contacting us directly at (+30) 6970980918. We’re available on WhatsApp and Viber to make booking as easy as possible!
Visit us and choose one of our cars.

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Happy family next to the beach